took me because I was an orphan without the proper means of getting a
livelihood, and she had no children of her own.

"Three years ago I came into a little fortune which rendered me
independent; but I had been so happy with my kind friends that I asked
to be allowed to remain with them, and there I have been ever since in
the position of an adopted daughter. Naturally, I have seen a great deal
of their nephews, who spend a good part of their time at the house, and
I need not tell you that the horrible charge against Reuben has fallen
upon us like a thunderbolt. Now, what I have come to say to you is this:
I do not believe that Reuben stole those diamonds. It is entirely out of
character with all my previous experience of him. I am convinced that he
is innocent, and I am prepared to back my opinion."

"In what way?" asked Thorndyke.

"By supplying the sinews of war," replied Miss Gibson. "I understand
that legal advice and assistance involves considerable expense."

"I am afraid you are quite correctly informed," said Thorndyke.

"Well, Reuben's pecuniary resources are, I am sure, quite small, so it
is necessary for his friends to support him, and I want you to promise
me that nothing shall be left undone that might help to prove his
innocence if I make myself responsible for any costs that he is unable
to meet. I should prefer, of course, not to appear in the matter, if it
could be avoided."

"Your friendship is of an eminently practical kind, Miss Gibson," said
my colleague, with a smile. "As a matter of fact, the costs are no